When taking apart my engine, I had about 1/4" of endplay in the cam. I'm in the process of starting reassembly, and am searching for information about the spacer Haynes mentioned. It seems to describe a spacer that goes between the thrust plate and cam (not the gear spacer). Does anyone know what this spacer looks like or the part number? There is a chance that someone has been in this engine before me and that the original spacer was lost, if it had one. Truck's in the sig, '93 5.8W or those of you on phones.

-Mike

 

Popped the new cam in and still tons of endplay; less than before, but still way more than there should be, closer to ruler than dial caliper.

 

Nothin? I know some of you have been in one of these before. Maybe I'll just try a new thrust plate, even though there isn't any evidence of wear at all.

-Mike

 

The cam gear and thrust plate control end play.
If the gear is bolted up tight you should see about .006", indicated.

 

Didn't some fords come with a thin Torrington bearing between the can and the retaining plate.
Also, the core plug in the back could have been knocked out a little causing excessive movement.

 

The plug is just there to keep the oil inside.

Personally, if I felt there was a problem I would bolt the gear onto the cam with the plate sandwiched... outside the engine.
Easy to measure endplay that way.

 

Yup. Thinking it over again your right. The cam face and gear are together and plate between them. I still thought some had the thin flat bearing also though. Brain is fried from the mid 90+ temps.

 

Perhaps some engines do run a Torrington bearing.
I've never seen one in a stock engine.

 

Popped on the Timing set and all looks well. Only half of the places I looked on line mentioned requiring the timing gear to check endplay, and Hayne's never mentioned it, only making very vague statements about a spacer that has never existed. Thanks for your help.

-Mike

 

There was a spacer used at one time but I think it was eliminated from service with a new design cam gear




Don't take this as gospel but I think that's what is going on.

 

That would have been a racing type motor vehicle racing engine. You can even get roller cam bearings if you want them.

Setting of the rear cam plug is crucial in arriving at proper cam play.

 

Now how the hell did I answer a post this old? Gonna get yelled at again ...

 

I have learned to look at the post dates, just to prevent the same thing.

 

I think you gave relevant info, that wasnt gave 8yrs ago

 

Well , what it was is this board's use of pertaining threads after the main thread. I just dropped down too far.

A third grade education does have its' limitations.